Lawn Acres - Hollywood, FL

The city of Hollywood was founded in the 1920s by Joseph Young who dreamed of creating a motion picture Mecca on the east coast similar to its California namesake. While that vision never materialized, Hollywood grew up in the ensuing decades, attracting thousands of residents with its authentic Florida lifestyle and convenient location between the two larger cities of Fort Lauderdale and Miami.

Like most of Broward County, development in Hollywood began to spread west of the city's center following World War II. This gave birth to neighborhoods such as Lawn Acres, which was developed almost entirely in the 1950s and 1960s and still retains its charm from that era.

While nothing of the sort exists within the boundaries of Lawn Acres, downtown Hollywood is known for its arts scene. This includes the Art and Culture Center of Hollywood, which hosts numerous events such as an annual New Years party.

An eclectic mix of both local haunts and chain restaurants lines the perimeter of Lawn Acres, giving residents quick and easy access to a wide variety of dining options.

New Wong's Chinese Food sits directly across Washington Street from Lawn Acres and offers a comfortable dining room as well as take-out and delivery. Favorites from the menu include the orange chicken and the seafood delight. Local families love New Wong's because of the jumbo family packs, which include up to 20 chicken wings, entrees and sodas.

For some good-old American fare, Lawn Acres residents travel a few hundred feet down State Route 7 and stop in at Quickie's Burgers and Wings. If anyone assume a place like this only serves traditional burgers, fries and hot wings, it only requires a cursory glance at the menu to prove otherwise. For example, the mahi mahi burger with onion straws has been a local favorite since the restaurant opened, and several reviewers say this spot has the best chicken sandwiches in Hollywood.

Young Circle in downtown Hollywood offers the city's most abundant concentration of nightlife, featuring a mix of pubs, wine bars, dance clubs and live-music venues. The drive or cab ride down Hollywood Boulevard from Lawn Acres covers less than 3 miles. For neighborhood residents who wish to stay within walking distance for drinks and entertainment, the immediate area surrounding Lawn Acres offers several options, including Rickey's Restaurant, a small dive bar directly across State Route 7.

Lawn Acres is small, close-knit community, and many residents walk to visit local stores, nearby restaurants and their neighbors. Its streets are flat and contain moderately low traffic, but no bike lanes exist. Parking is free and abundant in Lawn Acres.

Most residents drive when traveling to points of interest outside the neighborhood's boundaries, and Lawn Acres provides easy access to numerous highways and secondary roads.

For those who would rather not drive, Uber has become a popular choice in the area, and numerous traditional taxi companies also serve the area and can be called for pickup. You cannot hail a cab in Lawn Acres.

City buses serve the neighborhood's public transportation needs, and closer to downtown Hollywood is a train depot for the Florida Tri-Rail, which shuttles residents north to Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach and south to Miami.

For exercise and outdoor recreation, Lawn Acres residents head over to Zinkil Park, featuring exercise stations, a walking trail, fountains and plenty of green space for playing with kids and dogs. There is no cost to enter or to park your vehicle. The park doesn't regularly host events, but it serves as an excellent spot for birthday parties and family gatherings. Also, many local clubs, social groups and civic organizations choose Zinkil Park to host their activities.

The cost of living in Lawn Acres sits lower than the average cost of living in South Florida. Residents pay an average of $920 per month in rent for a one-bedroom apartment, $3 for a beer in a local pub and $1.75 for a bus ticket to downtown. Area gas prices hover at five percent higher than the national average.

The closest shopping destinations to Lawn Acres featuring high-end and big box stores are the Pembroke Lakes Mall in Pembroke Pines and the Aventura Mall in Aventura. Broward County also houses the Sawgrass Mills Mall, an outlet mall ranking as one of the largest shopping centers in the United States. Closer to Lawn Acres sit numerous boutiques and specialty shops that local residents enjoy.

Located directly across State Route 7, the American Thrift Store features bargains on an assortment of products such as household goods, appliances and clothing. This hidden gem ranks as a favorite thrift store not only for Lawn Acres residents but for shoppers from all over Broward County. Locals head to Especially For You Florist to purchase flowers, teddy bears and other romantic gifts for that special someone.

A Save-A-Lot location across State Route 7 serves Lawn Acres residents for grocery shopping needs. The surrounding area also features numerous international and niche markets such as Thai-An Oriental Super Market and Damascus Mid East Food Market. Yellow Green Farmers Market, situated about 3 miles northwest, is the closest one to the neighborhood.